10 Can Pool Have a Positive Impact on You?
Keyona Pine, Ziyun Tong, Lindsay Molnar
How does pool play a role in college life?
When we think of sports, the type of images that is likely to come up in one’s mind is people running, jumping, yelling, or even tackling each other. Maybe their sneakers are skidding against hardwood floors, or their cleats lift up dirt as they run across a grass field. In college, sports are an essential part of the collegiate ideal. They bring people together and provide mental and physical stimulation that can help ease the stress of academic life. Though the popular and flashy sports we typically see on TV or advertised on social media are a great way for students to create a community, sports come in all different forms, and pool is an example of an inclusive sport that virtually anyone can play.
Pool is a sport that can be played both recreationally and competitively, and provides a social outlet for students, and is not restricted to only being on campus grounds.
Pool tables can be found on campus in dorms, cafeterias, lounges, and gaming areas. However, for students who are over 21, they can also be found in bars. “I play in Wallingford, Fremont, Ballard- not much near the University District”, said one of the college students that was interviewed.
Though college life is often thought of as a time to party and make easy friendships- the truth is that it can be difficult to forge connections with new people. But the unique thing about pool is that it can create a community and space for connection wherever a table is present. “I think it’s a nice way to interact with strangers… the people I play pool with are strangers that I never see again after that. It’s a fleeting interaction with people”.
Pool also creates bonds beyond strangers but allows for others to deepen their friendships:
“But the guy who taught me was my best friend who is no longer with us- whenever I play it I think of him- we were really close. We would skip class, smoke, and go play for fun. He would play high stake tournaments to win money.”
The role of sports in college has the power to bring all kinds of people together, no matter their background.
Though this sport can be played on a professional level, you can see college students frequently playing recreationally for entertainment. The picture above shows a student playing pool with his friend. This student has a variety of other hobbies outside of the sport- music, exercising, skateboarding, and cooking.
The sport requires mental skill, problem-solving, and refined motor skills to carry out a successful shot. However, one does not require any professional skill to enjoy it.
Author: Keyona Pine
Impacts on Mental Health
In the challenging world of college, students must deal with heavy academic work and strive for personal achievements. Finding effective outlets to alleviate stress becomes essential. In an article by Dr. Tangella published on Dovemed, the benefits of playing billiards in enhancing students’ mental, physical, and social health are underscored. As more and more students discover the advantages, billiards is gaining popularity as a recreational activity on campus.
One of the key benefits highlighted is the positive impact on mental well-being. Billiards provides an escape from the rigors of student life, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game and temporarily set aside their worries and pressures. As they focus on each shot, their minds experience a welcome sense of calm and relaxation, offering a much-needed respite from daily stressors. According to one of our interviewees,
“I love playing billiards. It not only provides an opportunity to bond with my friends in college, but also brings a sense of calm and relaxation. During the game, I can momentarily forget about life’s stresses and solely focus on executing the next shot.”
As students gather around the billiards table, they engage in friendly competition, laughter, and conversation. These interactions promote social cohesion, reduce feelings of isolation, and enhance the overall social experience in college.
Another fascinating aspect is that learning billiards does not demand a significant time commitment. With the abundance of online resources available, students can teach themselves the game at their own pace. According to our interviewee, formal billiards lessons are not necessary.
“I never actually took any official billiards lessons. I learned by watching videos online in my free time. After a month of practicing with my friends, I became familiar with the billiards rules and can play well.”
Author: Ziyun Tong
Pool on a competitive level
To college students, many who have really busy schedules and spend a lot of time looking at a screen, being able to do something without a screen helps them relax. According to a staff writer at the Spectator (University of Wisconsin, Eu Claire’s student newspaper), it’s a positive outlet.
Nowadays, everyone, including college students, spend a lot of time on a phone or computer and doing something constructive with people, helps to positively improve one’s life. Many believe pool is only in mature settings, but places like the hilltop area near the University of Wisconsin have a Cafe with pool tables; which helps those of us who are under 21 learn about the sport away from bars or other mature settings. It helps them focus on the ideal of the sport; community.
Another aspect of playing pool is on the competitive side, and can be a form of the collegiate ideal, for those who find themselves enamored with the sport. You can be involved in pool leagues that meet a few times a week or once a week, which can either form teams, (depending on the league) or be individual. Each person within that league becomes apart of your life for the time you are playing pool and sometimes they become your friend. There is an aspect of pool where you can come together, as a community. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from, everyone is there to play the game. Depending on the nature of the league, it can be more relaxed or more serious. According to Bill Kruger, a competitor involved in the APA, (American Pool Players Association) and BCA, (Billiards Congress of America-the governing body of the US and Canada, and the regional member of the World Pool-Billiard Association). His start with pool began, (playing for fun) until he was asked to play with a family member at an APA game. Most people who play in leagues have other jobs or have lives outside of the sport.
There is the social aspect that the sport brings, which brings the possibility of making a new friend or someone that you talk to when you’re playing that much easier. Everyone who plays has a similar goal in mind and uses similar vocabulary. There is a micro-culture that comes from the sport and a way to decompress from life outside of it. Most people who play believe pool impacts their lives in a positive way. For instance, Bill works full time outside of playing pool two to three times a week, makes pool cues as well; but is able to keep his work-life balance. Even though he plays competitively, the social nature of the game comes through.
Playing pool, the end of the
game
Author: Lindsay Molnar
CC-BY-NC-ND
References:
**Disclaimer: This article contains the assistance of AI to edit and review it’s contents and grammatical errors.
Kisler, A. (2018, March 13). Billiards are taking over college. The Spectator. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.spectatornews.com/opinion/2018/03/billiards-are-taking-over-college/
National Research Council. (2002). Chapter 2, The Importance of Place & Connectedness. Community and Quality of Life: Data needs for Informed Decision Making. (pp.55-74). National Academic Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10262/chapter/5
Tangella, Krish. (2023, January 1). HEALTH BENEFITS OF BILLIARDS. DoveMed. https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/wellness-center/health-benefits-billiards/#:~:text=The%20combination%20of%20physical%20activity,improve%20concentration%20and%20cognitive%20function
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